Original Bond Aston Martin to be auctioned

LONDON

The silver Aston Martin DB5 coupe, driven by Sean Connery in "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball" is set to be auctioned.

It's been in the garage of a private owner since 1969, when that owner paid $12,000 for it. As you might expect, the car is expected to go for a rather high price.

Experts say it could fetch more than $5 million.

"This is the only genuine, 007 James Bond car," said Mick Walsh, Editor-in-Chief of Classic and Sports Car Magazine. "You know the reputation of James Bond. The bidding could go mad."

The unique car has rotating license plates and other spy gear.

It was the Bond movies that made Aston Martin a household name, even though its handmade cars remained far too expensive for most.

The car being auctioned by RM Auctions Automobiles of London is one of two Aston Martins factory-modified for use in the early Bond films, and it is the only surviving example. The other 007-modified Aston Martin was reported stolen in 1997 and has never been recovered. Many believe it has been destroyed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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